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Philadelphia House Delegation announces school facilities improvement grants to clean up toxic schools

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Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia

(22 hours ago) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, D-Phila., release the following statement after a violent weekend in North Philadelphia’s Hartranft neighborhood: “Once again, what should have been a joyful community celebration in Hartranft ended in tragedy, and my heart is heavy. Too many lives in our city have been cut short by gun violence, leaving families and neighborhoods mourning. As someone who calls North Philly home, I’ve seen both the strength of our communities, and the deep pain violence leaves behind. While we’ve made progress, we can’t be satisfied. There’s still so much work to do to ensure safety for everyone. “We must care for each other. When conflict arises, we must meet it with empathy and understanding—not with violence. Too often, social media turns small disagreements into something much bigger. We are stronger than that, and violence cannot be the way we respond. “I’m thinking of those injured over the weekend and sending my deepest wishes for their recovery, both physically and emotionally. Now is the time for us to come together to focus on what unites us as a community so we can all live with the safety, peace and hope that we deserve.” Read more

 

Young announces broadband grant for Finnegan Rec Center

(Oct 18, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

As part of the commonwealth’s effort to increase access to internet resources in all communities, state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, announced that the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority has awarded a $1 million grant to the Office of Innovation and Technology in the city of Philadelphia for technological infrastructure improvements to create a southwest digital access hub at the Finnegan Rec Center in Southwest Philadelphia. Read more

 

Young applauds natural hair braider bill becoming law

(Oct 16, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 16 - Today, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 100 , introduced by state Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware and former state Rep. Donna Bullock, D-Phila., creating a license exemption for natural hair braiding in the commonwealth. “Natural hair braiding has been commonplace in the African American community for centuries. The techniques have been passed from generation to generation and are learned from early childhood. It does not take formal training to do,” Young said. “This is a recognition of the distinct cultural richness of natural hair braiding and that all it takes a comb, a brush and a beautiful head full of hair — no license necessary.” The law exempts hair braiders from having to obtain a cosmetology license to practice braiding and brings Pennsylvania in line with the more than 30 other states that have exempted hair braiders from licensing laws. Read more

 

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities

(Oct 11, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, state Rep. Rick Krajewski announced that two organizations in his legislative district were awarded a combined $600,000 in state funding. Lincoln University received $500,000 to make technological upgrades and update their Philadelphia facility, The School of Adult and Continuing Education. SACE provides educational opportunities to adult learners who wish to continue their learning journey, before or after earning their bachelor's degree. “Learning is a lifelong journey which should be easily accessible and affordable,” Krajewski said. “I’m proud that historic institutions like Lincoln University choose to bring their reputation for excellence to our community and I will always work to support them however I can.” This grant is from the Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, which is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. It is administered by the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority. The second grant of $100,000 was awarded to Workshop U, a postsecondary program for students aged 18-25 that helps students make life-design plans and bring the plan to life through mentorship, internships and training. This grant is from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. “Our young adults need tools to help Read more

 

Parker secures $1 million grant for Happy Hollow Recreation Center

(Oct 10, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Darisha parker, today announced that Happy Hallow Recreation Center was awarded a $1 million grant to upgrade their facilities. “Philadelphia’s recreation centers provide a safe alternative for youth to participate in structured programs instead of wandering the streets,” Parker said. “This investment will go a long way to help foster community connections and give our youth hope.” The funding will help Happy Hollow become a digital access hub for residents who cannot access broadband internet as well as a heating and cooling center for residents in need. “This is such an important tool for the fight against gun violence,” Parker said. Happy Hollow Rec. Center is the oldest recreation center in Philadelphia and has served as a starting place for professional players in the National Basketball Association. The Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program is funded pursuant to the Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund, established by Section 604 of the Social Security Act, as added by Section 9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) administers the Facilities Program in accordance with U.S. Treasury guidelines and Act 96 of 2021. Read more

 

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles

(Oct 09, 2024) Rep. Morgan B. Cephas

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila., today said she is pleased to see legislation ( H.B. 1509 ) moving in the General Assembly that would build on current law to protect pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women to have it apply to incarcerated pregnant juveniles. Cephas was the sponsor of a new law (H.B. 900, now Act 47 of 2023) that created important protections for pregnant and postpartum incarcerated women, including restricting shackling and solitary confinement; providing trauma informed care training of corrections officers interacting with pregnant and postpartum women; and providing up to three days of post-delivery bonding time between a mother and newborn child, among other protections. She said the law was unintentionally silent on juveniles involved in the criminal justice system and is glad to see the provision clearly spelled out in H.B. 1509, as amended by the Senate. “For years, my colleagues and I have been fighting to get better prenatal, pregnancy and post-natal protections and support for incarcerated people in Pennsylvania as a matter of compassion and common decency,” Cephas said. “No one should be deprived of compassionate care or respect or be forced to risk the health of their child, even when they are a child themselves under the law.” Cephas is co-chair of the bicameral Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus and former co-chair and current Read more

 

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly

(Oct 09, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 9 – Today, legislation authored by state Reps. Mary Isaacson and Anthony Bellmon, both D-Phila., to enhance protections for federal judges, judicial officers and their families, passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly. House Bill 1700 would prohibit disclosing the personally identifiable information of federal judges, judicial officers and their families when there is intent to cause harm or interrupt the person from carrying out their duties. “Judges and judicial officers serve a crucial role as arbiters of a fair and balanced justice system,” Isaacson said. “In recent years, we have seen core pillars of our democracy attacked, which causes irreputable harm to our democracy and society. This legislation will serve to provide additional protections so judges can uphold their duty without threats of violence or intimidation.” "The justice system serves as a pillar of American Democracy. Threats and acts of violence against the judicial branch affect each and every one of us," Bellmon said. “As the number of threats against the judiciary continues to rise, we must ensure judges are protected from retaliation so that they can properly serve justice in our commonwealth." The bill passed the PA House unanimously in December and passed the state Senate unanimously today. It now heads to Gov. Shapiro’s desk for his signature to become state law. Read more

 

Cephas introduces bill to increase pedestrian safety

(Oct 07, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Morgan Cephas, D-Phila. will soon introduce legislation that would create a statewide Hit-and-Run Advisory Alert system, to be known as “Jay Alerts.” The bill aims to reduce hit-and-run accidents and enhance the swift identification and apprehension of drivers who flee the scene of accidents resulting in serious bodily injury or death. Cephas said the inspiration for the legislation is a young constituent of hers who lost her life in 2016 in the Overbrook section of West Philadelphia. “Jayanna Powell was only eight years old when she was tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident while walking home from school. We named Jay Alerts in her honor, as this notification system could have led to a quicker capture of the driver who had a friend take his car to a body shop in an attempt to hide the nature of the damage. Read more

 

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force

(Oct 02, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Philadelphia House Delegation today applauded the efforts of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force as they released their final report and recommendations. The task force was charged with suggesting remedies to quality-of-life issues in communities surrounding nuisance establishments. The group studied existing laws, toured impacted neighborhoods and establishments, and held public hearings to receive testimony to inform their work. Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians

(Oct 01, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, and Joe Hohenstein, D-Phila., held a news conference to highlight their legislation, H.B. 1630 , that would create an Office of New Pennsylvanians to support, attract and retain immigrants in the commonwealth. “Generations of immigrants answered Pennsylvania’s welcoming call of opportunity and freedom, making our commonwealth into the powerhouse it is,” Smith-Wade-El said. “Right now, Pennsylvania is betraying its own values by scapegoating immigrant communities with punitive policies that are driving them out of the state although foreign-born workers comprise over 8% of our state’s workforce and pay $3.3 billion yearly in state and local taxes. As our population ages and many residents leave our state for other opportunities, we need skilled workers, entrepreneurs, consumers and community leaders to make sure that Pennsylvania continues to grow and thrive economically, culturally and socially. “Pennsylvania needs an Office of New Pennsylvanians to ensure that these new residents are able to flourish in the commonwealth,” Smith-Wade-El said. “They need to know we have their back.” “Pennsylvania is stronger when we welcome and celebrate immigration,” Hohenstein said. “Our collective ability to come together from all different backgrounds and perspectives for the betterment of the commonwealth is truly wonderful. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Oct 01, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Department of Community and Economic Development: PA SITES Who May Apply: Municipalities, economic development organizations, redevelopment authorities, municipal authorities, industrial development agencies, and for-profit organizations. Use: To develop competitive sites for businesses to relocate or expand within Pennsylvania. Funds: $400 million in funding is available. Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and approved on a quarterly basis More information: DCED Website Department of Transportation: Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) Who May Apply: Municipalities, councils of government, businesses, economic development organizations, public transportation agencies, ports and rail freight entities. Use: To improve transportation assets that enhance communities, pedestrian safety, and transit revitalization. Funds: The MTF requires a 30% match of the amount award. Awards are available for projects with a minimum cost of $100,000 and no more than $3,000,000. Application Deadline: November 5, 2024 More information: PennDOT website Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Unconventional Gas Well Fund Who May Apply: Volunteer and career fire, EMS, and rescue companies in counties where unconventional gas well drilling is permitted and counties that directly border permitted counties and respond to related emergencies. Use: Funds may be used for certification, equipment, and Read more

 

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work

(Sep 30, 2024) Rep. Keith S Harris

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Keith S. Harris, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 195th Legislative District, located in north Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Stanton, Brewerytown, Girard and parts of Strawberry Mansion. Harris was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond humbled and grateful to my neighbors in the 195 th Legislative District for allowing me to represent them in Harrisburg. I will do everything in my power to earn their trust and ensure that their faith in me is well-founded,” Harris said. “Whether it is providing constituent services or passing legislation that addresses issues affecting our community and the state at large, I am ready to get to work.” Harris stated that his priorities include addressing criminal justice, mental health, education, workers’ rights and housing. Video from Harris’ swearing-in can be viewed here . Read more

 

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia

(Sep 30, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

HARRISBURG, Sept. 30 – Today, state Rep. Andre D. Carroll, D-Phila., was sworn in to serve as state representative for Pennsylvania’s 201 st Legislative District, located in Northwest Philadelphia and encompassing the neighborhoods of Germantown, Logan and West Oak Lane. Carroll was elected to office when he won a special election on Sept. 17, and he now has officially taken office. “I am beyond blessed for this opportunity to serve as state representative for the community I grew up in,” Carroll said. “I’m ready to hit the ground running with providing my constituents state government-related services and addressing key issues affecting Northwest Philadelphia and many communities across Pennsylvania.” Carroll said that the key issues he looks to address include criminal justice, health care, education, environmental justice, workers’ rights and housing. “For far too long, communities like mine have been neglected and in return greatly affected by these issues,” Carroll said. “I personally have been affected by many of these issues and I am committed to working tirelessly so they can be resolved and Northwest Philadelphians, and all Pennsylvanians, can have a greater quality of life.” Video from Carroll’s swearing-in can be viewed here . More information about Carroll can be found in his biography . Read more

 

Young announces grants for local historic organizations

(Sep 24, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Regina Young, D-Phila./Delaware, today announced that two organizations in the 185th Legislative District were awarded grants from the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission through the Cultural and Historical Support Grant program. The Cultural and Historical Support Grant program presents awards to organizations in the state’s museum community that are otherwise not supported by state agencies with the goal of fortifying these entities for continued operations. The American Swedish Historical Museum received a grant of $20,400 and John Bartram Association/Bartram's Garden received $53,100 for a total of $73,500 within the 185th Legislative District. Read more

 

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs

(Sep 23, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Pennsylvania House Transportation Committee met in Philadelphia last week to hear from experts on transportation funding needs for Pennsylvania’s largest city, according to committee Chairman Ed Neilson, D-Phila. “During this informational tour, we heard experts from all over the transportation sector echo the same sentiment: this is a critical time for the vital industries that maintain Pennsylvania’s ever evolving transportation infrastructure,” Neilson said. “These experts, many from the various transit agencies that are a true economic engine for the commonwealth, explained that while they are grateful for the funding received from the 2024-2025 budget, the deficits they face will have a significant impact on our state’s economic growth and more importantly, it would limit personal mobility for thousands of Pennsylvanians.” “The final state budget that passed in July, did not include the governor's full transit funding proposal. It provided a one-time investment of $80.5 million to public transportation agencies across the state, including $46 million for SEPTA. This is less than one-fourth of the needed funding SEPTA originally requested, and less than one-third of the $161 million that Governor Shapiro's proposal would generate,” Kenneth Lawrence Jr., board chair of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, said at the hearing. “While SEPTA is Read more

 

Pennsylvania one of growing number of states to target license plate flippers

(Sep 18, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

The Pennsylvania House passed, with bipartisan support, legislation that would ban license plate flippers and impose a $2,000 penalty on those caught using or selling them. The bill now goes to the Senate.“With speed cams and red-light cams becoming more and more prevalent around, there are technologies that are coming out for people to evade safety on the roads,” Pennsylvania state Democratic Rep. Pat Gallagher, the bill’s lead sponsor in the House, said in an interview. Read more

 

Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West

(Sep 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

Today, state Rep. Ben Waxman, D-Phila., hosted a news conference at the intersection of Locust Street and Quince Street to celebrate state funding for the rehabilitation of historic streets in the Washington Square West neighborhood. Read more

 

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities

(Sep 17, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

NEWLY LISTED PROGRAMS Office of the State Fire Commissioner: Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program Who May Apply: All fire companies, emergency medical services, and volunteer rescue squads Use: Eligible projects include but are not limited to facility renovations, equipment purchases, debt reduction, training, education, and recruitment and retention. Funds: Awards may range from $2,500 to $20,000 for fire/rescue companies and $2,500 to $15,000 for EMS companies. Application Deadline: October 20, 2024 More information: OSFC Website Drug and Alcohol Programs: Substance Use Disorder Drop-In Centers Who May Apply: Applicant must have at least two years of experience as of July 1, 2024, in providing SUD prevention, intervention, harm reduction, treatment, or recovery support services, drop-in center services or relevant services and shall have the capacity to provide SUD drop-in center services to individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) and other concurrent SUD. Use: DDAP will provide funds from the Opioid Settlement to drop-in centers or other human service organizations looking to expand their community-driven harm reduction support services to increase overdose prevention and linkage to SUD treatment and recovery support services. The goal is to provide hope, support, and resources to assist those on their road to recovery Funds: DDAP expects to award approximately 14 grants totaling $1,875,000 each. Application Read more

 

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare

(Sep 13, 2024) Philadelphia House Delegation

State Rep. Darisha Parker, D-Phila., made the following statement regarding the $3 million in state funding made available for schools to purchase menstrual products: “Menstrual equity happens when barriers to obtaining products are broken,” Parker said. “The lack of access to menstrual products can cause more problems than embarrassment. When women are forced to use unhygienic products such as socks, newspaper or old t-shirts, it can cause serious and lifelong health problems. “This funding will empower students to complete their education without fear of sickness or embarrassment. I am incredibly thankful for First Lady Lori Shapiro’s advocacy for women and her willingness to listen to women’s health experts like Lynette Medley, founder of the nation’s first menstrual health hub, The Spot Period, about possible solutions to achieve menstrual equity for all. “I’m so grateful for Governor Shapiro’s $3 million allocation to help students in Pennsylvania live their lives freely and maintain their health and dignity. “This is the first step, we still have more work to do. I’m eager to return to legislative session and continue the fight for women by insisting the Pennsylvania Senate bring my Menstrual Equity legislation up to be voted on and signed into law.” Parker added that House Bills 850 and 851 both passed the House in June and urges her colleagues in the Senate to consider this Read more

 

Giral offers condolences to family of Officer Jaime Roman

(Sep 11, 2024) Rep. Jose Giral

HARRISBURG, Sept. 11 – State Rep. Jose Giral, D-Phila., released the following statement on the recent passing of Philadelphia Police Officer Jaime Roman, who succumbed to injuries sustained when he was shot while in the line of duty in June: “I am truly heartbroken to learn of the passing of Officer Roman, and it is with a heavy heart that I express my deepest condolences to Officer Roman’s friends, family and the entire PPD 25 th District force,” Giral said. “Every day the men and women of the Philadelphia Police Department put on their uniforms knowing their life could be on the line because they know what it means to protect and serve our community and want to see our families live safe and happy lives. “It is my sincere hope that our community can do for the Roman family and PPD 25 th District what they do every day for us — put our arms around them, embrace them and support them through this incredibly trying time.” Read more

 

Kenyatta’s statement regarding mass shooting in North Philadelphia
22 hours ago

Young announces broadband grant for Finnegan Rec Center
Oct 18, 2024

Young applauds natural hair braider bill becoming law
Oct 16, 2024

Krajewski welcomes $600K in state funding to promote educational opportunities
Oct 11, 2024

Parker secures $1 million grant for Happy Hollow Recreation Center
Oct 10, 2024

Dignity for incarcerated women extended to juveniles
Oct 09, 2024

Isaacson, Bellmon legislation enhancing judicial protections passes PA General Assembly
Oct 09, 2024

Cephas introduces bill to increase pedestrian safety
Oct 07, 2024

Philadelphia House Delegation applauds the work of the Stop and Go Legislative Task Force
Oct 02, 2024

Smith-Wade-El and Hohenstein hold news conference to highlight legislation to create Office of New Pennsylvanians
Oct 01, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Oct 01, 2024

Harris sworn in, ready to get to work
Sep 30, 2024

Carroll sworn in to serve Pennsylvania’s 201st Legislative District in Philadelphia
Sep 30, 2024

Young announces grants for local historic organizations
Sep 24, 2024

PA House Transportation Committee meets in Philadelphia to discuss transportation needs
Sep 23, 2024

Pennsylvania one of growing number of states to target license plate flippers
Sep 18, 2024

Local elected officials, organizations gather to celebrate funding for street rehabilitation in Washington Square West
Sep 17, 2024

Grant Memo: Agricultural, Environmental, Public Safety, Redevelopment and Additional Grant Opportunities
Sep 17, 2024

Rep. Parker applauds Gov. Shapiro for closing gap in women’s healthcare
Sep 13, 2024

Giral offers condolences to family of Officer Jaime Roman
Sep 11, 2024